Funeral of Philippe Coopman Set for Wednesday in Grande-Synthe

Community Mourns Young Victim of Fatal Attack

Hundreds of people are expected to gather on Wednesday in Grande-Synthe, North, to attend the funeral of 22-year-old Philippe Coopman, who tragically died on April 16 following a suspected ambush coordinated through a dating site. The event has deeply shaken the local community.

Ceremony Details and Expected Turnout

The funeral service is scheduled to begin early in the afternoon at the Saint-Jacques church. According to the office of Martial Beyaert, the socialist mayor of the town, the turnout might mirror the 1,500 people who attended a recent white march in Philippe's honor. An external sound system will be set up at the church to accommodate the large number of attendees.

Investigation and Arrests

Two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, have been indicted and detained on charges of "assassination" after Philippe succumbed to head injuries. Initial investigations suggest that the attack was premeditated. Additionally, a third minor related to one of the accused was also taken into custody, intensifying concerns about further violence and prompting increased security measures in the area.

Possible Motives and Misidentification

Authorities revealed that the suspects had allegedly lured Philippe to a meeting spot by posing as a young girl on a dating site named Cocoland. While theft is considered a potential motive, Dunkirk prosecutor Charlotte Huet has urged other victims of similar schemes to come forward. Philippe's family and friends maintain that he was mistakenly targeted, describing him as a benevolent individual who was well-loved within the community.